This course provides the student with terminology and concepts related to data communications in an Internet driven world. Emphasis is placed on the integration of software and hardware considerations with systems analysis and design for computer networks. The role of telecommunications in systems design for networking and distributed processing is presented, along with the architecture of data communication systems ranging from local area networks to international wide area networks. Current technologies that include hardware, software, and protocols are presented, and an emphasis is placed on the application of the technology to the solution of problems. Other topics include the definition of network requirements, evaluation of technology, design and installation of the network, security management, and network performance. Hands-on experience are provided with an actual LAN.